a distinct part of anything arranged in divisions; a division of a complex whole or organized system.
one of the principal branches of a governmental organization: the sanitation department.
(initial capital letter) one of the principal divisions of the U.S. federal government, headed by a secretary who is a member of the president's cabinet.
a division of a business enterprise dealing with a particular area of activity: the personnel department.
a section of a retail store selling a particular class or kind of goods: the sportswear department.
one of the sections of a school or college dealing with a particular field of knowledge: the English department.
one of the large districts into which certain countries, as France, are divided for administrative purposes.
a division of official business, duties, or functions: judicial departments.
a sphere or province of activity, knowledge, or responsibility: Paying the bills is not my department.
(usually initial capital letter)U.S. Army. (formerly) a large geographical division of the U.S. or its possessions as divided for military and defense purposes: the Hawaiian Department.
Origin of department
1730–35; <French département, equivalent to départ(ir) (see depart) + -ment-ment